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Germany Becomes Ukraine’s Top Military Backer With Major Arms Pipeline Through 2026
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Germany has become Ukraine’s largest provider of military support, with German funding and contracts indicating further deliveries of air defense systems, artillery, and drones through 2026, according to German Aid to Ukraine on January 6.
The report said Germany’s 2026 pipeline is expected to keep prioritizing air defense, including IRIS-T SLM systems that Ukrainian officials say have already been delivered in nine units as part of Germany’s commitment to supply up to 12.
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It also cited additional German-backed air defense steps, including Rheinmetall’s Skyranger 35 systems and further orders for 35mm Gepard ammunition, and noted that Germany has announced plans to provide AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles from Bundeswehr stocks.
On ground systems, German Aid to Ukraine pointed to Germany’s pledge of 54 RCH 155 wheeled self-propelled howitzers, with the first unit formally handed over in January 2025 and initially retained in Germany for training.
It also cited agreements signed in December 2025 for the production of 200 Ukrainian Bohdana 155mm self-propelled howitzers on Mercedes-Benz Zetros chassis valued at $815 million, with Ukraine’s Defense Ministry saying the systems are to be delivered in 2026, alongside separate reporting that Ukraine has ordered more than 1,000 Zetros trucks to expand military logistics.
Germany’s publicly known plans also include continued drone support, including Vector reconnaissance drones produced in Ukraine by German manufacturer Quantum Systems since 2024, and strike-drone contracts involving Germany-based defense firm Helsing, which has announced it will produce 6,000 additional HX-2 drones for Ukraine.
It added that Germany has also supported Ukrainian requirements through NATO’s PURL framework and said Berlin intends to expand industrial cooperation with Ukraine through joint ventures and procurement initiatives.
Earlier, it was reported that Ukraine deployed two additional Patriot air defense systems—part of agreements with German partners covering extended military support packages, including self‑propelled howitzers and joint production projects.
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